tions which may offer from time to time, of views, buildings, remark- 

 able events, ships, steam vessels, &c., to which they respectfully invite 

 contributions. 



The Collection itself is contained in thirty folio volumes, filled 

 with engravings and drawings. A classified index is in the course of 

 ' preparation, which will render the Collection more useful for consulta- 

 tion by the antiquary and local historian. 



The E-eading Room was foimd to be so inconveniently crowded in 

 the early part of the year, that the Committee were glad to find the 

 means of relief by renting the adjoining house fronting Duke Sti-eet, 

 formerly occupied by the Librarian, into which a communication has 

 been opened and a large portion of the books transferred, thus giving 

 a larger area for the use of readers. 



The average number of persons reading in the Room during the day 

 is from 70 to 80, and in the evenings from 120 to 140. The Room is 

 badly ventilated, and with this number is inconveniently crowded. 

 Space is also wanted for consulting many expensive books containing 

 designs, which- are frequently in demand by artizans in the various 

 branches of ornamental art. 



The present condition and working of the Derby Museum and 

 Reference Library are satisfactory and encouraging in the highest 

 degree. The only drawback is the want of space, which is becoming 

 such a crying evil as to require immediate attention. Classification, 

 regularity, and afrangement cannot possibly be attended to when every 

 expedient has to be resorted to, for the purpose of temporary accom- 

 modation. 



The usefulness of the Listitution is marred, and its progress re- 

 tarded, if not entirely prevented, by the want of a suitable building. 



The Committee would draw the attention of the Council to this 

 subject, with an earnest request that steps be taken to appropriate at 

 the earliest possible period the site already granted for the proposed 

 new building. 



